Genesis 25:5-7 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years.
Abraham was not a perfect man, but the Bible and commentary both say he was a good man, a godly man, a man worth emulating. And once again, I am reminded that my idea of who God uses in the Bible is incredibly faulty. I still have a hard time squaring the fact that Abraham, fallible, faulty, human Abraham, is God’s righteous one.
Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.
Ultimately, it’s a good thing, this change in what I thought I knew. It means that God can use me, too–even with my messiness, my faults, my fallibility. It means that the fact that I’m not perfect, that I’m so very far from perfect doesn’t keep God from being able to use me if I will allow. Perfection is not a job requirement. In fact, I’m pretty sure perfection would make you unsuitable as God’s hands and feet.
Genesis 25:9-10 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah.
Precious Savior, Even now, even after all my reading and studying, I am still surprised that Your people, the people You use, the people You call, aren’t perfect. They are human, messy, fallible. That fact brings me comfort, but I’m having trouble letting go of that paradigm. Help me–to let go of a false truth and to open myself up to being used as Your hands in feet wherever You need me. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 25:11 After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.
Have a blessed day.